Expertise for Central Africa
staff
Staff Members
Stefaan Marysse
Director
Stefaan Marysse is director of the Belgian Reference Centre for Expertise for Central Africa E-CA — CRE-AC). He is prof. dr. em in Political Economy and Development at the Institute of Development Policy /University of Antwerp. He is also visiting professor at the Université Catholique de Bukavu, the Université Catholique du Congo and the University of The Western Cape.
He has been active as chair of the economics department and the third world centre (University of Antwerp) and member of the executive committee of the European Association for Development Institutes as well as promoter of (university) development projects in Zimbabwe, Nicaragua, South Africa, Burundi and especially the DRC.
A DRCongo area specialist, his research focuses mainly on political economy issues encompassing issues such as debt and poverty, poverty studies, livelihoods and mineral resources, mineral resources and conflict, (Chinese) mining contracts… he has been involved in the elaboration of the Congolese Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper and in many evaluation exercises on governance and development.
His latest books include: Annuaire de La Région des Grands Lacs d’Afrique (co-editing with F.Reyntjens) Harmattan, Paris, from 1995 onwards. “The pitfalls of democracy and globalization in the region of the Great Lakes in Africa” (with F. Reyntjens) 2005, Palgrave-MacMillan, ‘Natural Resources and Local Livelihoods’ (with A. Ansoms), Palgrave MacMillan, forthcoming 2011.
Laurence Hannon
Administrative Assistant
E-CA — CRE-AC's administrative assistant, Laurence Hannon, has a private sector background. She worked in major Public Relations companies for eighteen years, as communication consultant. She developed communication strategy and advice companies from different sectors and several associations and funds.
Now Laurence is self-employed. She is still working as communication consultant and works for the Centre.
Laurence has a Master degree in Journalism, Information and Communication of the Université Libre de Bruxelles. She speaks French, Dutch and English. Within the Centre, she is responsible for administration and finances, relations with founding members and the Board of Directors, the E-CA — CRE-AC database of people and organisations working in Central Africa and gives support to other experts in the Centre. She’s also in charge of the organisation and the communication of Rotunda Policy Talks, seminars, conferences and books launches.
CRE-AC operates with a limited staff. Stefaan Marysse, Director, and Laurence Hannon, administrative assistant, are supported by a pro-active Board and a pool of consultants that participate in activities on an ad hoc basis.